Employment Services Director

NEW JERSEY REENTRY CORPORATION•Jersey City, NJ

15h•$85,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Employment Services Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of NJRC’s employment and workforce development programs serving justice-impacted individuals. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing employment initiatives that connect participants to sustainable career pathways, strengthen employer partnerships, and support long-term reentry success. The Director ensures program effectiveness, compliance with funding requirements, and alignment with NJRC’s mission to remove barriers and promote stability for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Requirements

Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in workforce development, employment services, or reentry programming.
At least 3 years of supervisory experience.
Experience working with justice-impacted or underserved populations.
Strong knowledge of employer engagement strategies and workforce systems.
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Knowledge of New Jersey workforce development systems and labor market landscape.
Familiarity with fair-chance hiring practices and reentry policy.
Strategic thinking and program development
Leadership and team management
Relationship-building and external representation
Cultural competence and trauma-informed approach
Strong ethical standards and professional boundaries

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive employment services strategy across NJRC facilities.
Oversee workforce readiness programming, job placement services, employer engagement, and follow-up support.
Identify and expand industry partnerships to create career pathways for participants.
Monitor labor market trends to align training and placement efforts with high-demand sectors.
Cultivate relationships with local employers, workforce development boards, unions, training providers, and community organizations.
Advocate for fair-chance hiring practices.
Represent NJRC at external meetings, workforce forums, and partner events.
Negotiate and formalize employer agreements when appropriate.
Supervise Employment Specialists and related staff across NJRC facilities.
Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development.
Establish clear performance metrics and accountability standards.
Ensure participants receive individualized employment planning and career guidance.
Monitor job placement, retention, and wage outcomes.
Oversee follow-up services to promote long-term employment stability.
Address complex participant barriers in collaboration with case management staff.
Track program metrics, including placements, retention rates, and employer engagement.
Prepare reports for leadership, funders, and grant compliance.
Ensure documentation meets internal policies and external audit standards.
Utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Partner with Clinical, Case Management, and Facility Directors to integrate employment services into holistic reentry plans.
Collaborate with HR and leadership on workforce development initiatives and grants.